"Signs of Unknown"

Neil caught him off guard when he said, "Hey, Theo, I received a letter today about your military service. It's starting in a week."

"Huh? Starting in a week?" he was taken aback and blurted out.

Theo was caught off guard when Neil informed him about his mandatory service. Everyone within the Freyln Empire was supposed to serve one way or another, and his service was starting in a week but had completely forgotten about it.

"Isn't that a little earlier than expected?" Theo blurted out.

"I know, it's sudden," Neil sympathized. "But you have to be ready for it."

"They wouldn't let me off if I wasn't," Theo grumbled, feeling frustrated about the situation.

"Look on the bright side. It's only three years, and you'll get vacations in between. And think about your experiences and the people you'll meet," Neil tried to lift Theo's spirits.

Theo didn't feel comforted by Neil's words but appreciated the effort. "Yeah, I hope so."

Realizing that sulking was pointless, Theo said goodnight and went upstairs to continue his research on Adam Collins. Despite his efforts, he couldn't find any online records of him, as if he never existed.

"Well, what did I expect?"

Theo decided to take a break from the grind and hopped into the shower. As he dried and combed his hair in front of the mirror, he noticed something strange. A few strands of hair on the left side of his head had turned white.

He was completely bewildered and muttered to himself, "What in the world is going on? This wasn't here this morning. My hair couldn't have turned white in such a short time."

"Should I talk to Neil about this?" he questioned himself.

"No, this is not the right time"

With only a week left before his military service, he didn't want to worry anyone about the odd occurrence. Fear and uncertainty took root in his mind and kept him up all night, preventing him from getting any sleep.

Morning finally arrived, and Theo got ready for his usual workout to avoid arousing suspicion. Although he was a bit injured from the fight yesterday, he had recovered a bit.

Theo put on his tracksuit and left the house, feeling the crisp morning air nip at his skin. The sun was just starting to rise over the horizon, casting warm, crimson rays through the trees and painting the world in a soft glow.

Theo lived in one of the more affluent colonies of the city, with rundown slums just a few blocks away, where the less fortunate were stripped of their basic rights and forgotten by those in power. The stark contrast between the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy and the struggling masses was striking. The government's failure to provide adequate protection and support to its citizens resulted in a disheartening situation.

Corruption was rampant, and the disregard for the welfare of the people had led to mounting frustration and tension. The once mighty empire was now on the brink of collapse due to years of neglect and abuse of power.

Theo made his way toward central park, which was just two and a half miles away from his residence. He had an uncomplicated fitness regimen, comprising a blend of jogging, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. Regularly following this routine kept his body in a healthy state.

He found a bench near a fountain, where he could catch his breath and let his mind wander. He could hear the sounds of children playing a game of football behind him.

Suddenly, a voice cried out, "Watch out!"

Instinctively, Theo turned to face the direction of the sound, only to see a football hurtling towards him at lightning speed. Without any delay, he swiftly caught the ball with ease, leaving the children in awe of his quick reflexes. Though it was unexpected, catching the ball felt completely natural to him, and he returned it to them.

After an exhilarating workout and an impromptu game of catch with some kids, Theo returned home, feeling refreshed and invigorated. Upon his arrival, he found Neil waiting for him in the backyard, ready for their sparring session.

Following a quick breakfast, Theo changed into his uniform, realizing that it would be the last time he would wear it. After bidding farewell to Laura and Neil, he set off for his graduation ceremony at school.

He walked down the street and paused in front of a house approximately fifty meters away from his own. This was the house of Benedict, his closest and only friend.

Theo and Benedict had been inseparable for years since he moved to their neighborhood around the same time Theo was adopted. Despite their similar ages, they had vastly different personalities. Theo tended to keep to himself and shied away from socializing, whereas Benedict was outgoing and had a natural talent for making friends.

Although they attended the same high school, they were enrolled in different courses. Benedict had missed school the day before due to some sort of accident.

Theo heard the sound of the door creaking open, and Benedict stepped out. With his striking features, blonde hair, and brown eyes, he stood almost as tall as Theo, almost six feet.

"Hey, Benedict," Theo greeted him, trying to gauge his mood. "How are you feeling?"

Benedict's face twisted into a scowl. "How can you ask me that? Yesterday, I got into an accident. Yet, you didn't bother to visit me, you punk!" His voice rose, and his anger was palpable.

"Ok, hear me out first," Theo replied, hoping to calm him down. But it didn't work. Before he could say anything else, Benedict punched him in the gut and then grabbed him by the neck, choking him.

"I'm sorry, Benedict. I had a lot on my plate yesterday," Theo struggled to break free from his grip, but he was too strong. Fortunately, Benedict released him after a few seconds.

"Next time, at least answer when I call you. You ghosted me for a whole day. I thought something happened to you," Benedict said, sounding more relaxed now.

"It won't happen again. I promise," Theo assured him. "By the way, I got my enlistment letter yesterday. I'll be off in a week. How about you? Did you get yours?"